HC Deb 19 June 1979 vol 968 cc525-6W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will re- consider his decision to reverse the prior decision to build a dual carriageway from Antrim to Ballymena; and what applications have been made for an EEC grant for that proposal.

Mr. Goodhart,

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 18 June 1979], gave the following information:

No. Construction of a dual carriageway from Antrim to Ballymena cannot be justified on either economic or traffic grounds at this time. It is therefore proposed to construct a new single carriageway on the alignment selected for a possible motorway, which will be capable of being converted to a dual carriageway or motorway if the need arises. As this scheme is not programmed to start until 1981–82, no application for EEC grant has yet been made.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when work on the single carriageway for Antrim to Ballymena will commence.

Mr. Goodhart,

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 18 June 1979], gave the following information:

The work on the single carriageway is programmed to start during the financial year 1981–82 subject to completion of statutory procedures and finance being available at the time.